The city of Mostar lies on the Neretva river, about 2 hours southwest of Sarajevo. The natural beauty of the river, distinct Ottoman influences, and the Stari Most (old bridge) have made Mostar one of the most sought after destinations in the Balkans.

The original Stari Most was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and was a great engineering feat because of the large single arch that spanned the width of the river. Sadly, the bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993. Yet with international aid, reconstruction for the bridge began in 2001. Today the Stari Most is the main attraction in Mostar and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The bridge is also an entertaining spot for visitors to watch courageous locals dive into the river below.

As you walk through the cobbled streets of the old town, Ottoman houses and buildings are never out of sight. This is one of the reasons I love traveling in the Balkans. There is always a unique mix of cultures that have influenced places like these. In Mostar, it is a particularly beautiful spot to see how these influences have stood the test of time.